Ancient demons of shadow and flame, the Balrogs were [[Maia]] who were corrupted by the first Dark Lord, Morgoth, during the [[First Age]]. They were terrifying warriors who wielded whips of fire and darkness. Most were destroyed at the end of the First Age, but one survived by fleeing into the roots of the Misty Mountains. This creature, known as "Durin's Bane," was awakened by the Dwarves in [[Moria]]. It was eventually confronted and cast down by [[Gandalf]] the Grey during the journey of [[The Fellowship of the Ring]].